Cured-in-place gaskets are used in myriad applications. They seal the housings on gear reducers and the chain-case covers on snowblowers. They can be found in pipe flanges, drum lids, electrical enclosures, light fixtures, air filters, stereo speakers, appliances, transmissions, crankcases, vacuum pumps, axle covers and fuel tanks.

Compared with die-cut or molded gaskets, cured-in-place gaskets have many advantages. Because they are dispensed rather than placed, cured-in-place gaskets easily conform to surfaces with three-dimensional geometries. Similarly, cured-in-place gaskets fill tiny imperfections in the part surfaces that could become leak-paths with solid gaskets. By filling these gaps, cured-in-place gaskets ensure 100 percent contact between the mating surfaces.

Although cured-in-place gaskets are not considered structural adhesives, they do provide mild adhesion between the mating surfaces. This unitizes the assembly and limits relative motion between the parts, which helps prevent gasket failure.

Finally, cured-in-place gaskets are more cost-effective than solid gaskets. It’s easier to automate the application of liquid gaskets than solid gaskets. Reject rates may be reduced because the gasket can be more precisely placed. Inventory costs are also lower. A barrel of adhesive takes up less space than cartons of rubber gaskets. And, if the product design changes, the manufacturer is not stuck with obsolete parts.

One of the newest cured-in-place gasket materials on the market is Vitralit CIPG 60200 from Hoenle Adhesives Americas Inc. This UV-curing polyacrylate material is specifically engineered for high-performance electronic housings in automotive and electric vehicle applications. Free of carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic substances, this polyacrylate material can be precisely applied with automated dispensing technology and robots. This ensures accurate bead geometry and excellent dimensional stability in the uncured state.

To aid in inspection, the material fluoresces blue under ultraviolet light.

Rapid curing under UV light (wavelengths of 365 or 405 nanometers) enables short cycle times and immediate handling strength. The best curing results are achieved with Hoenle’s UVA Print 100-200 HPV curing system, which enables fast and tack-free curing.

Once cured, Vitralit CIPG 60200 ensures reliable joint tightness upon compression, effectively preventing leakage of fluids and gases. Even under elevated temperatures, the gasket maintains high elastic recovery. A compression set of only 15 percent after 24 hours at 150 C demonstrates its strong repulsive force and long-term sealing capability. The operational temperature range extends from -40 C to above 150 C.

The cured gasket exhibits outstanding chemical resistance against typical automotive media, including engine oil, transmission fluid, and water-glycol mixtures. Low outgassing characteristics make the material particularly suitable for sensitive electronic components. The product complies with the UL 94 HB flammability standard for polymeric materials.

Thanks to its high temperature and mechanical resistance—under both static and dynamic loads—the material represents a reliable alternative to solid gaskets and silicone sealants, particularly in demanding automotive environments.

In EVs, the material is ideal for sealing electronic control units, battery disconnect units, on-board chargers and cell module controllers. Once cured, it provides immediate protection against dust, moisture and harsh chemicals.

In addition, the material is specifically designed for maintenance, repair and overhaul scenarios. Unlike conventional single-use gaskets, the cured material can be reused after disassembly, allowing housings to be opened and resealed without gasket replacement. This reduces service costs, minimizes waste, and improves overall system sustainability.

For more information on cured-in-place gasket materials, click www.hoenle.com or visit the company’s booth at The Assembly Show, which will be held Oct. 27-29 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL.

Besides adhesives, dispensing and curing technology, you’ll find more than 200 suppliers of automation, fastening tools, robotics, software, presses, workstations, and test and inspection equipment.